Former Strictly Come Dancing star Pete Wicks and Love Island icon Maura Higgins have reportedly called time on their romance after months of speculation.
The couple – who have both had very high-profile relationships – decided to keep their relationship a secret from the public eye.
On multiple occasions, the pair were seen on dates with one another and passionately kissing during red-carpet events.
Wicks even joined Higgins’ intimate reunion when she returned from the I’m A Celebrity jungle – where she opened up about their bond for the first time.
The former Towie star previously called Higgins “super intelligent” and “incredibly witty” during his Staying Relevant podcast.
However, the pair have now agreed they agreed they are better off as friends, with a source confirming their split to MailOnline.
The pair were pictured on multiple occasions
“Maura and Pete have decided to call off their romance.There have been a few clashes, and it was eventually agreed they were better off as friends.
“Those closest to them know it's been a very on-and-off relationship, which is why they were so resistant to go public in the first place. They remain close and share a deep connection.'
A friend added: “You never know with Maura and Pete, the attraction is so strong that you wouldn't rule out a reunion at some point – even in the short term.”
Despite remaining coy about their bond and not officially confirming they were together, both spoke very fondly of one another.
Maura opened up about her relationship with Pete in the I'm A Celebrity jungle
Wicks joined Paul C Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast and said of Higgins: “Maura and I have known each other for a long time, I say a long time about six years.
“We have the same sense of humour, she is super intelligent and I think you know that is sometimes something people don’t realise about Maura.
“She is incredibly witty and we have always been there for each other for kind of the past six years at a distance where we have always been friends.
“We have always kind of been there for each other and whatever else.”
Speaking on the same podcast in a separate episode, Higgins added: “We just get on very, very well. I adore him, he's an amazing person.
“Do you know what's so weird? We met very soon after my coming off Love Island and we just instantly clicked.
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Pete touched on their relationship during a podcast interview
“Our humour is the same. It's like that sick, dark humour. It's very abusive. We abuse each other. Very nasty, it's hilarious. I adore him.”
In the past, Wicks has openly spoken about his difficulties with commitment, admitting settling down “scares” him.
